The Ontario After School Collaborative works together to advance the abilities of community-based providers to develop and deliver quality after school programs that enhance the health and well-being of children and youth. Supported by the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Sport, and the Public Health Agency of Canada, the organizations that make up the After School Collaborative include, Boys and Girls Clubs Canada, Canadian Mental Health Association Ontario, Evidence (First Work), Ontario Public Health Association, OPHEA, Parks and Recreation Ontario, and YMCA Ontario.
In 2012, on behalf of the After School Collaborative, CMHA Ontario developed a written resource for anyone working in or running children’s programs with children aged 6 to 12. Working with HIGH FIVE, a division of Parks and Recreation Ontario, CMHA Ontario updated the written resource in 2014 which can be found here. (insert hyperlink to written resource)
In 2015, HIGH FIVE, in collaboration with CMHA Ontario launched the new in-person training, Strengthening Children’s Mental Health, for anyone running children’s programs to provide more education on positive mental health in children. During the one-day training program, participants learn key concepts and factors that affect children’s mental health, such as stress and environment on a child’s ability to cope. The training also provides tools and suggested activities to use with staff to help improve their understanding and interactions with children who face challenges in their programs.
To find out more about Strengthening Children’s Mental Health in-person training program, visit the program website.